This update seeks to support growth in innovative policy, practice and partnerships in humanitarian action to better communicate with disaster-affected communities. Readers are encouraged to forward this email through their own networks.

Whirlwinds in East Java, East and West Nusa Tenggara and Yogyakarta provinces have caused considerable damage to houses and three casualties - one in Lumajang (East Java), one in Sumba (East Nusa Tenggara) and one in Yogyakarta. Over 115 houses in East Java, 85 houses in West Nusa Tenggara and three houses in Yogyakarta were damaged. Local authorities removed debris and provided construction material for home repairs. The Indonesian Red Cross provided relief items to affected families in East Java.1

Fighting that broke out on 9 Feb between the Government of Myanmar Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and other armed groups has continued in the Kokang self-administered zone, northeast Shan State.

(Yangon, 18 February 2015): “I am saddened to hear of the attack on a Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) convoy en route between Laukkai and Chin Schwe Haw in northern Shan State on 17 February. Two MRCS volunteers were wounded in the attack. The convoy was carrying civilians from the conflict area in the Kokang self-administered zone to safe areas.

On 9 - 12 Feb heavy rainfall fell on the island of Java, including the capital Jakarta. Local authorities have reported four casualties and temporary displacement of almost 7,100 people. All IDPs returned to their homes by 13 Feb. Government agencies, Indonesia Red Cross, NGOs, military and police provided search and rescue support and relief to the displaced.

In 2014, Asia and the Pacific experienced 126 natural disasters, which affected a total of 85 million people. Significantly, casualties were a quarter of what they were in 2013, with nearly 4,000 people killed by disasters in the region. Floods and landslides were the primary causes of death according to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED).

Political instability in Bangladesh has led to incidents of violence and vandalism in several areas of the country including the capital. On 5 Feb, a truck was firebombed in the northern city of Bogra, killing the driver and a passenger, as activists enforced a month-long nationwide blockade of roads, railways and waterways ordered by former premier Khaleda Zia in pursuit of a general election.
The fresh wave of violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people. This instability is currently disrupting working modalities for UN staff.

Humanitarian needs persist in Myanmar due to ongoing armed conflict in Kachin and northern Shan States and continuing inter-communal tensions in Rakhine State. 240,000 people remain displaced. Largely as a result of restrictions on their movement and limited access to livelihood opportunities, many of the displaced remain highly dependent on humanitarian assistance. Shelters require reconstruction and items distributed early on in the crisis need replacing.

This update seeks to support growth in innovative policy, practice and partnerships in humanitarian action to better communicate with disaster-affected communities. Readers are encouraged to forward this email through their own networks.

Since 2011, more than 240,000 people in total have been displaced in Myanmar, primarily in Rakhine and Kachin states. In south eastern Myanmar, a large number of people remain displaced following many years of armed conflict. Emergency preparedness is a major challenge as Myanmar is one of the most disaster prone countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Between mid-Dec and mid-Jan, heavy seasonal rains and strong winds affected large parts of Malaysia causing severe and extensive flooding in Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan. In addition to the three most affected states, four other states in Peninsular Malaysia (Perak, Johor,
Selangor and Perlis States) and one state in East Malaysia (Sabah) also experienced floods due to the heavy rainfalls.